Where could you use more CONFIDENCE?When was the last time you felt CONFIDENT? What was going on in your life that may have supported this?What small step could you take TODAY to increase your confidence?

Here are a few ideas for boosting your confidence- they usually work for me:

Try something new, but simple. This month I decided to learn how to can. Once I got over my fear of giving my entire family botulism I found it not only fun, but empowering! What will you try your hand at?

Do something that you haven't done in a while and you know you don't completely suck at. Play a sport you know a bit about, make a dish that never fails you, pick up an old hobby. I recently decided to start playing tennis again - I am not GREAT, but I could suck way more than I do:)

Hang out with people who fill you up and avoid those that suck you dry! When you could use a bit of self-esteem, confidence and good mojo that last thing you need to do is be around people who are takers. And yes, sometimes this can even include members of your own family!

DO SOMETHING - anything! Pick an item off your to-do list and get it done. Make a call you have been putting off. Clean a closet. Whatever you do, just DO SOMETHING. There is nothing like a little action to help you gain momentum and experience more confidence.

Take some time to reflect on all the things you have overcome, accomplished, and made happen in your life. Use this past experience as FUEL. Be inspired by yourself. You are amazing!

This week's MyMindset questions, quotations and coaching support will all focus on your mindset of CONFIDENCE. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL or REFER YOUR FRIENDS if you are already enjoying our service!

Hannah
Hollett is a MyMindset Coach as well as a parenting, life and business
coach. She can be reached for question, comments or a complimentary
personal coaching consultation at hannah.hollett@myMindset.com.

Monday, September 17, 2012

From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life. Arthur Ashe

When
we extend our wisdom and vision beyond our own lives we can have a
profound impact on others, the world and community we live in and
ultimately our own sense of belonging and contribution. This is why
having a mindset of CONTRIBUTION is such an integral part of living life
to its fullest and experiencing peace and joy in the process.Notice
what happens when you shift your focus from your own perceived
problems. Have you ever been having a bad day and out of the blue had
the opportunity to help someone else? Maybe it was something as simple
as helping them carry their groceries, offering to drive their child to
an after school event, or just giving them some words of encouragement.
What often happens, is that we see our impact on others and it improves
our mood. It can even give us a greater sense of purpose. In
fact, studies show that people who participate in meaningful activities
(such as helping others, listening to friends’ problems and/or pursuing
one’s life goals) are happier and feel a greater sense of purpose in
life (Michael Steger, University of Louisville in Kentucky - published
in Journal of Research in Personality).
This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job, take a vow of poverty and
live only to serve others. What it DOES mean is that developing a
mindset of contribution and generativity (the ability to give to
others) can improve the quality of your life and even your health.

Here are some simple suggestions for creating a mindset of contribution:

Ask yourself daily, is there something I can do to make life easier, better or more pleasant for someone?

Commit a ‘random act of kindness’-
something that makes a random act of kindness particularly pleasing is
the anonymity of it. This helps keep your focus on the other person,
rather than yourself.

Contemplate your talents, strengths and gifts
and then find ways to share them with people. Do you love making
homemade note cards? Consider donating them to a local assisted living
community - better yet go teach them how to make the cards themselves!

Never underestimate the power of a KIND WORD.A well placed, authentic, meaningful compliment can change the course of someone’s day.

Read the Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. This wonderful book can enlighten and inspire you.

This week's MyMindset questions, quotations and coaching support will all focus on your mindset of CONTRIBUTION. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL or REFER YOUR FRIENDS if you are already enjoying our service!

Hannah
Hollett is a MyMindset Coach as well as a parenting, life and business
coach. She can be reached for question, comments or a complimentary
personal coaching consultation at hannah.hollett@myMindset.com.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

One thing that is certain (besides death and taxes) is that transitions are a part of everyone's lives. Transitions can happen as the result of life choices, unexpected events and even nature - think seasonal transitions! In fact, fall was the inspiration for our Mindset this week. Even though it isn't officially fall until September 22nd (at 10:49 EDT to be exact) there is a change in the air already. Students and teachers are back at school, the weather has begun to shift, and school supplies and Halloween candy have replaced BBQs and lawn chairs in store displays.My husband is a teacher and he is currently transitioning back into 'work mode,' and my kids are transitioning into their new roles as a fifth grader and a first grader. Our family is experiencing transitions as we begin to take on a more active role as caregivers to our aging grandparents and parents. Where are you experiencing transition in your life? Perhaps you have recently started a new relationship or ended one. Maybe you have moved or changed jobs. You could be a new parent or student. You could be experiencing a new role at home as your children enter a new phase in their lives.You could be dealing with the loss of someone close to you or a change in your own health. Transition is defined simply as:

A movement,passage,orchangefromoneposition,state,stage,subject,concept,etc.,toanother;change

What the definition doesn't tell us is how to navigate the many transitions in our lives. Here are a couple of tips from MyMindset to help you manage transitions in the most peaceful way... because change, expected or unexpected,is inevitable, but suffering doesn't have to be.

Step 1: Examine the Transition.Do this by asking yourself some questions (we LOVE questions at MyMindset!). What is the learning in this transition? What are the positives and negatives? What opportunities might result from this transition. Transitions are far less scary and mysterious when we approach them with curiosity rather than denial or avoidance.

Step 2: Understand Yourself.Use what you know about your unique style of coping with change. How have you managed transitions in the past? What did you learn from this? What worked? What would you like to change this time around? What resources are available to you? What do you need most right now?Step 3: Take a Look at Your Support System. Who is available to provide the support you need? Who are the people who will 'fill you up' and who are those who drain you? Is there information you would like or need right now? Would a coach be a helpful addition to your support team?Step 4: Consider Your Options. You may not need or want to take any steps yet. That is OK. If you are ready to make a move, consider your options and explore possibilities. Create an action plan with the help of a coach or supportive friend.

MyMindset's questions, quotations and coaching this week is all designed to help you manage transitions and navigate change in your life. Could you or someone you know benefit from support this week? Try a FREE TRIAL of MyMindset! Click Here to get started!

Hannah
Hollett is a MyMindset Coach as well as a parenting, life and business
coach. She can be reached for question, comments or a complimentary
personal coaching consultation at hannah.hollett@myMindset.com.